Lincoln Regional Center Successfully Passes Surveys

The Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) just completed a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) survey by federal surveyors who focused on active and effective treatment.

In late August, surveyors from the Licensure Unit in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) conducted a state survey and also acted on behalf of CMS. Surveyors found nothing wrong and no basis for a complaint alleging non-compliance with regulatory requirements for patient rights and safety. LRC remains fully certified by CMS and accredited by the Joint Commission.

“In the most recent survey, federal CMS surveyors followed patients through their daily activities in the living areas and around campus,” said Bill Gibson, CEO of the Lincoln Regional Center. “Surveyors had first-hand observation of the quality of care provided and found only one minor deficiency, which we have already corrected. They were very complimentary of the care provided at LRC and called the programs extraordinary.” The deficiency involved documenting results of memory assessments.

In addition, the August survey reviewed two allegations. The first stated there was a failure to protect patients’ rights to be free from abuse or neglect. Surveyors found that LRC trains and supervises staff and implements strict policies and procedures to protect patients from abuse and neglect. The second allegation involved a failure to provide staffing to meet patients’ needs. Surveyors found that a Registered Nurse was available for bedside care of patients in each building. In addition, a review of staffing assignments found them to be reasonable to meet the needs of patients.

“These independent, objective and professional looks at LRC affirm that quality care is being provided to patients,” said Scot Adams, director of the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health. “Staff have my respect and gratitude for their ongoing efforts to provide care of this caliber and safety for patients, as demonstrated by successfully passing surveys like these.”

Gibson said the Lincoln Regional Center has come a long way in the past three years in improving safety for patients and staff, and commended LRC staff for providing quality care to Nebraskans who have a significant mental illness.